And so it's upon us. Oh, greetings everyone, and welcome back to...well, my blog. One last continuation from last weeks "LOST" temper tantrum. Where did Vincent the dog go? OK, back to writing...
So today is April 15th, or tax day in America. I really, really, really try to leave personal politics aside and I try oh so hard to make this a New York experience blog, but since it's still ultimately my blog, I figure, let's just wax poetic on the good 'ole American tax system.
I don't think anyone in their right mind enjoys filing taxes. Seriously, it's a tedious, monotonous chore, where by you pay someone a nice chunk of money, only to find out you owe more money (not everyone of course, but you see where I'm going...by the way, many thanks to my friend Janet for knocking my taxes out so quickly this year).
I've been reading about a number of tax protests around the country. Most of these protesting involve teabags, or teabagging (I know, I'm laughing as well, but mind out of the gutter people). Every article or story I've seen or read has involved the word "conservative," as if to further divide this country and to depict people who genuinely want to see tax reform as a nut (not that conservatives are nuts, but I've noticed if people in New York think you're of the conservative mindset, they basically regard you as almost a pedophile). So of course, the little hamster upstairs got to running, and I got to thinking...
I get that we have to pay taxes. I think most reasonable (if not most all) Americans understand that in order for the government to function at its proper level, it needs money. No arguement here. We need to fund a military, take care of veterns, police, firemen, etc. Of course, last time I checked, we didn't have a federal police force (for now) thanks in part to that pesky 10th Amendment (and no, the FBI doesn't count). So with exception to a very small majority, we can surmise that people are willing to pay taxes. Now, let's take a serious look at how they're collected. Anyone want to take a stab at this one? In a nutshell, the US needed to raise quick capital to help fund WWII, since people had been paying income tax since 1913 (or thereabouts....oh, and it was like the wealthiest of the wealthy). Essentially, when April 15th came around, you figured out how much you owe, and you would cut a check to Uncle Sam. So since the military needed that cash quick, say hello to the era of "take home pay." It was supposed to be a temporary measure, just to help fund the war effort, and then we'd go back to writing a check once a year based on income. I understand we're the global police force and what not, and we're fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan right now, but we're not fighting the Axis, at least no one has consulted me on this matter, so I'm going to assume we're not. If you've gotten a pay check in the last 60 years (from an employer, not including anything off the books), you should see you're "take home" amount. OK, so they stretched the truth a bit. Who hasn't, but that little fib should stay in our minds. Remember, they make the laws, they can change them as they see fit (and if you think any member of Congress is benevolent and has your best interest at heart over their own...seriously take some time to answer that one).
Lately (and I'll go back over the last 10 years or so), Congress really wants your money. There was the Republican Revolution of '94, which was a promise to reduce the size and cost of government. Unless you're devoutly in love with the idea of the federal government being involved in every aspect of your life, again, it's a pretty good idea. Unfortunately, didn't really happen. Fast forward to the next guy in the White House, and he became the biggest (well, now 2nd biggest) spender since Lyndon Johnson. Also, the government GREW under W as well. So much for that promise, but still a good idea (the idea of shrinking the government and reigning in spending).
Speaking of reigning in spending, does anyone else hear alot of talk about this concept, yet zero action? Again, I'm a realist, and I understand that our founding fathers really couldn't forsee all of the great things we all take for granted on an everyday basis. Things like getting milk from a grocery store and not directly from a cow, penecilin, and living past the age of 40. However, they were able to forsee one thing specifically: there is no limit to the thirst for power some people and the government have. So, knowing this, they came up with a system based on economic liberty and personal freedom governed by the rule of law (your friend and mine, the Constitution). So yes, while it may be a "living document" in some senses, remember, these were smart guys that set this bad boy up, and they knew exactly how tyrants and despots operated. So anyway, back to teabagging...
Teabag protests, in honor of the Boston Tea Party. You know, the intruiging thing I always thought about the Boston Tea Party was that these dudes dressed up as Native Americans when they dumped the tea. So I imagine the thought process would be something along the lines of "OK, if someone sees us dumping tea in the distance, it's OK, because we'll just rock a few feathers in our hair, slap on some war paint, and go topless...BOOM! Let's frame some Indians!!!" Could you imagine the British riding into a camp the next day, "ah yeah, we got a report that some of your men dumped some tea into the harbor." How shocked would they be. And yet, I never heard of any Native American complain about it. So in the spirit of the 70's (1770's that is), people have been sending tea bags to their reps in Congress. Yeah, because that will get their attention. Right now, most of these guys are tripping all over themselves to lambast the AIG's of the world and every bank for A) giving tax dollars to executives as bonuses and B) banks actually being able to pay back the loans they borrowed from the tax payers. I can understand the frustration with A, since if a company is failing to the point of borrowing tax money, it's not in the best interest to turn around and shell out a few million in bonuses (then again, you have the government involved, and they're good at throwing money at problems and not really solving them, so what did you really expect). I'm a tad concerned about B. It seems that alot of the banks are finding ways to pay back the TARP money because they really don't want to be indebted/told how to run their business by the government (facism was never really all that popular anyway). Kind of scary if you think about it. Anyway, back to taxes.
I was reading an article on CNN.com today by Paul Begala. He was saying today should be "Patriot Day." Again, he made some fair points, as in taxes are inevitable, and we all need to pay. It comes down to what's "fair." I think people inherently want to be fair, however Begala goes to the extreme when he goes on to compare any one who has wealth to Paris Hilton. I think most people can agree that Paris really didn't work hard to get where she is, and she basically was very lucky to be born a Hilton. Hey, sucks, because I'm sure there are more deserving people out there, but that's life; it's not always fair, so there's no sense bitching about it. However, for every Paris Hilton, how many Tyler Perry's, or Oprah Winfrey's, or Warren Buffets are there out there? The biggest difference between the latter and the former is that the latter group worked hard, made sacrifices, and made good decisions to become exceedingly wealthy. To my knowledge, they've never taken advantage of anyone or anything ever. That also doesn't include all of the other people who aren't household names who worked hard, saved, and made difficult decisions to finally get to a point where they really don't have to worry about it. Honestly, I hope to get to that point some day, and you know what? I'll probably leave most of it to my family to spend on candy and shoes. I really don't want to government coming in and taking half of my money once I go belly up like some vindictive ex-wife. Seriously, 45%? That's fair?
I'm currently reading Neal Boortz and John Linder's book "The Fair Tax: Answering the Critics." I strongly encourage any one to read it (Neal, if you happen to be reading this, you're welcome for the plug). Even if you truly hate the idea of a national retail tax, the book is a very interesting read about our current tax structure, and how a 23% national sales tax would affect the economy and we'd still be able to fund the day to day functions fo tht government (for the record, no, 23% is NOT added to the final price of the good). The book does a great job of explaining how it could replace our current system and ultimately streamline our government and businesses. Wow, I never thought I'd be recommending a book on taxes. Oh well, almost time for "LOST." Until next time!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Why the television show "LOST" is becoming irksome
In a quick acting update, I auditioned for UCB House Harold team this past Friday. It's my first audition for the team (you become eligible after completing Improv 401), so we'll see. Anyway, on to the matter at hand, which is title of this particular entry. We're going to chat a little "LOST."
Some of you may follow the show, and some of you don't, so I'll really try my best to avoid any spoilers to any potential viewer out there. When the show began back around 2004 or so, I really didn't give a crap about the show. Fast forward a season and a half, and I was told by multiple sources about how great this show is, how you have to pay attention, and basically that I had to watch it. So I watched the next episode and enjoyed it. I had no idea that my roommate at the time was really into the show, and he scolded me for watching episodes out of sequence. He promptly let me borrow season 1 (and a few months later season 2) so I could get completely caught up. I became hooked. Plot twists and sci-fi stuff, and really cool back stories (let the record show that the afforementioned "sentence" is not a sentence as there isn't a subject or verb, I'm really just writing as if I were talking now, so all of you grammarphiles, knock it off...you know who you are).
The show is currently in season 5 out of a possible 6 seasons, and I don't know if any other fans are as frustrated as I am, but I intend to outline some major plot points that have not been answered, or completely abandoned, or God only knows what happened. For the record, it's my understanding that the writers of "LOST" are contractually obligated to answer every question/mystery/etc. by the series end.
1) We're four and a half seasons into the show and not a single person has a freaking idea what the hell this damn island is. At a certain point withing, oh, I don't know, the first or second season, we should have some kind of idea. All we know as of right now is that the island can be physically moved, it's been inhabited by a group calling itself the Dharma Initiative, and a group of hostiles known as the Others. I'm not going to dwell on this one too much, but I don't think it's too much to ask for a bit more clarification on what in the name of all things holy this place is.
2) Where happened to the other survivors of Oceanic 815?
*Spoiler Alert*
At the end of season 4, Ben pushed this big magic wheel knocking the islad off it's "timeline" (we're going to cover that bad boy as well), a group consisting of Locke, Sawyer, Miles, Faraday, Julliet, and the red head (forgot her name) began to travel through time, seeing many past incarnations/inhabitants of the island. That's fine and dandy, but there missing something kind of huge here. There were SEVERAL survivors of 815. From a production standpoint, these are the extras. Still not clear on whom I'm talking about? OK, remember the couple on there, the wife had cancer and the island cured her? Her husband was the guy who played Mr. Dewitt on Growing Pains? Mr. Dewitt, he was Kirk Cameron/Mike Seaver's high school principal...Ben Seaver ran into him one night while he was out with Stinky and Boner looking for potash for a school project. OK, now you know who I'm talking about. Back to "LOST." Jack and Kate tried to get to the freighter, but Locke and Sawyer didn't find it prudent, so they took a captured Ben Linus back to Eggtown (the houses formerly of the Dharma Initiative that were then inhabited by the Others). OK, so you have a picture, after I went on a "Growing Pains" tangent and what not. The point? Yeah, where the hell did all those people go? Everyone I've posed this question to who's a follower of the show has given me the same answer:
"Oh....yeah...where did they go?"
2) Where are the Others?
I can sort of answer this question. Ben gave them instructions, I want to say that he sent them to the Swan, or the Flame, or the Orchid...something along those lines. They're in hiding. It's just that they were such a big part of the show for 3 seasons, we havent' heard from them at all, we were starting to get a beat on what's going on, and then...nothing. Oh, and they had extensive files on 815 survivors, were able to bring Locke's dad to the island (which it sounded like he knew something about this place, but we'll never know now), they wanted to kidnap kids, wore disguises, would routinely invade the beach camp, and had a list of survivors who were "the good ones." Again....nothing.
3) Why doesn't Richard Alpert age and who is this guy?
We met Richard back in season 3. I can look past not getting to his age-defying theatrics for now, but we should at the very least have an idea of who this guy is. The only time we ever saw him look different in any way was when young Ben Linus met him (in a Ben back story) and Alpert was rocking a sweet Grizzly Adams-style beard.
4) Are we ever going to find out about Niki and Paulo?
Don't give me this "filler episode" nonsense. They dedicated an entire episode to these 2, only to see them buried alive. Thank you for the cliff hanger that will never be resolved.
5) What's up with this Jacob guy that Locke did not see at first, but finally heard his plea for help?
Yeah....bet you forgot about that, since it was forever ago, and they keep adding new stuff to remember. Is he an Other, Dharma Initiative.....what?
6) The Flight 815 "wreckage" was discovered.
Obviously it was planted, and my money is on Charles Widmore. Again, if him and Ben are bad, which I suspect, then great, just freaking get to it already.
7) The freighter crew that came to the island to "rescue" the survivors.
OK...this one has been jogging around my mind a tad. Widmore paid Frank Lepidus, a pilot who was supposed to be the pilot of 815, Miles, a clairvoyant, Faraday, a physicist, the red-headed anthropologist, and Naomi to find the island. Apparently they were there for Ben. We can surmise that their intentions on the island were less than noble. The more I think about it, the more I have a hard time believing that those sent to get Ben would become so buddy-buddy with Sawyer, Jinn, etc. They did give a back story on each one, but I kind of want to know why (outside of Frank's obvious flying skills) each one is specifically needed.
8) Are we ever going to see Claire again?
Don't give me this "Claire is dead," because she's with Christian. She wandered off at the end of season 3 and we haven't seen her since. Does that annoy anyone else?
9) Where did Faraday go?
He travelled back in time with the rest of them, and Sawyer didn't really give a clear account of what happened to this guy. I do find it interesting that Faraday's mom has been working in close conjunction with Ben Linus and Faraday is supposed to be working for Linus's enemy Charles Widmore.
10) Why did some people travel back in time and others did not?
I'd imagine this question will be answered soon enough....I mean common sense would dictate such, but then again, what do I know. Also, before Ben got on the plane, he looked to have gotten the crap kicked out of him. I'd love to find out what happened there.
My issue now is I'm emotionally invested in the show. I love it, and I really want to know what happens (I also avoided asking any smoke monster questions....what it is, where it's from, etc.). I'm frustrated with the show because instead of answering any of the legitimate, aforementioned mysteries, the writers thought the show needed a nice dose of time travel. Because if anything in the world can clear up a muddy story, it's a time travelling island. Oh, and the potential Sawyer-Kate-Julliet love triangle that's starting to be teased. Don't think I forgot about Kate and Julliet fighting over Jack when Kate had a thing for him back in season 3 and part of 4. Wow...OK, if you're a "LOST" fan, your comments/critiques/etc. are welcome.
Some of you may follow the show, and some of you don't, so I'll really try my best to avoid any spoilers to any potential viewer out there. When the show began back around 2004 or so, I really didn't give a crap about the show. Fast forward a season and a half, and I was told by multiple sources about how great this show is, how you have to pay attention, and basically that I had to watch it. So I watched the next episode and enjoyed it. I had no idea that my roommate at the time was really into the show, and he scolded me for watching episodes out of sequence. He promptly let me borrow season 1 (and a few months later season 2) so I could get completely caught up. I became hooked. Plot twists and sci-fi stuff, and really cool back stories (let the record show that the afforementioned "sentence" is not a sentence as there isn't a subject or verb, I'm really just writing as if I were talking now, so all of you grammarphiles, knock it off...you know who you are).
The show is currently in season 5 out of a possible 6 seasons, and I don't know if any other fans are as frustrated as I am, but I intend to outline some major plot points that have not been answered, or completely abandoned, or God only knows what happened. For the record, it's my understanding that the writers of "LOST" are contractually obligated to answer every question/mystery/etc. by the series end.
1) We're four and a half seasons into the show and not a single person has a freaking idea what the hell this damn island is. At a certain point withing, oh, I don't know, the first or second season, we should have some kind of idea. All we know as of right now is that the island can be physically moved, it's been inhabited by a group calling itself the Dharma Initiative, and a group of hostiles known as the Others. I'm not going to dwell on this one too much, but I don't think it's too much to ask for a bit more clarification on what in the name of all things holy this place is.
2) Where happened to the other survivors of Oceanic 815?
*Spoiler Alert*
At the end of season 4, Ben pushed this big magic wheel knocking the islad off it's "timeline" (we're going to cover that bad boy as well), a group consisting of Locke, Sawyer, Miles, Faraday, Julliet, and the red head (forgot her name) began to travel through time, seeing many past incarnations/inhabitants of the island. That's fine and dandy, but there missing something kind of huge here. There were SEVERAL survivors of 815. From a production standpoint, these are the extras. Still not clear on whom I'm talking about? OK, remember the couple on there, the wife had cancer and the island cured her? Her husband was the guy who played Mr. Dewitt on Growing Pains? Mr. Dewitt, he was Kirk Cameron/Mike Seaver's high school principal...Ben Seaver ran into him one night while he was out with Stinky and Boner looking for potash for a school project. OK, now you know who I'm talking about. Back to "LOST." Jack and Kate tried to get to the freighter, but Locke and Sawyer didn't find it prudent, so they took a captured Ben Linus back to Eggtown (the houses formerly of the Dharma Initiative that were then inhabited by the Others). OK, so you have a picture, after I went on a "Growing Pains" tangent and what not. The point? Yeah, where the hell did all those people go? Everyone I've posed this question to who's a follower of the show has given me the same answer:
"Oh....yeah...where did they go?"
2) Where are the Others?
I can sort of answer this question. Ben gave them instructions, I want to say that he sent them to the Swan, or the Flame, or the Orchid...something along those lines. They're in hiding. It's just that they were such a big part of the show for 3 seasons, we havent' heard from them at all, we were starting to get a beat on what's going on, and then...nothing. Oh, and they had extensive files on 815 survivors, were able to bring Locke's dad to the island (which it sounded like he knew something about this place, but we'll never know now), they wanted to kidnap kids, wore disguises, would routinely invade the beach camp, and had a list of survivors who were "the good ones." Again....nothing.
3) Why doesn't Richard Alpert age and who is this guy?
We met Richard back in season 3. I can look past not getting to his age-defying theatrics for now, but we should at the very least have an idea of who this guy is. The only time we ever saw him look different in any way was when young Ben Linus met him (in a Ben back story) and Alpert was rocking a sweet Grizzly Adams-style beard.
4) Are we ever going to find out about Niki and Paulo?
Don't give me this "filler episode" nonsense. They dedicated an entire episode to these 2, only to see them buried alive. Thank you for the cliff hanger that will never be resolved.
5) What's up with this Jacob guy that Locke did not see at first, but finally heard his plea for help?
Yeah....bet you forgot about that, since it was forever ago, and they keep adding new stuff to remember. Is he an Other, Dharma Initiative.....what?
6) The Flight 815 "wreckage" was discovered.
Obviously it was planted, and my money is on Charles Widmore. Again, if him and Ben are bad, which I suspect, then great, just freaking get to it already.
7) The freighter crew that came to the island to "rescue" the survivors.
OK...this one has been jogging around my mind a tad. Widmore paid Frank Lepidus, a pilot who was supposed to be the pilot of 815, Miles, a clairvoyant, Faraday, a physicist, the red-headed anthropologist, and Naomi to find the island. Apparently they were there for Ben. We can surmise that their intentions on the island were less than noble. The more I think about it, the more I have a hard time believing that those sent to get Ben would become so buddy-buddy with Sawyer, Jinn, etc. They did give a back story on each one, but I kind of want to know why (outside of Frank's obvious flying skills) each one is specifically needed.
8) Are we ever going to see Claire again?
Don't give me this "Claire is dead," because she's with Christian. She wandered off at the end of season 3 and we haven't seen her since. Does that annoy anyone else?
9) Where did Faraday go?
He travelled back in time with the rest of them, and Sawyer didn't really give a clear account of what happened to this guy. I do find it interesting that Faraday's mom has been working in close conjunction with Ben Linus and Faraday is supposed to be working for Linus's enemy Charles Widmore.
10) Why did some people travel back in time and others did not?
I'd imagine this question will be answered soon enough....I mean common sense would dictate such, but then again, what do I know. Also, before Ben got on the plane, he looked to have gotten the crap kicked out of him. I'd love to find out what happened there.
My issue now is I'm emotionally invested in the show. I love it, and I really want to know what happens (I also avoided asking any smoke monster questions....what it is, where it's from, etc.). I'm frustrated with the show because instead of answering any of the legitimate, aforementioned mysteries, the writers thought the show needed a nice dose of time travel. Because if anything in the world can clear up a muddy story, it's a time travelling island. Oh, and the potential Sawyer-Kate-Julliet love triangle that's starting to be teased. Don't think I forgot about Kate and Julliet fighting over Jack when Kate had a thing for him back in season 3 and part of 4. Wow...OK, if you're a "LOST" fan, your comments/critiques/etc. are welcome.
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